Severino details excitement to play with young, ‘hungry’ Athletics originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
New Athletics ace Luis Severino had his introductory press conference on Friday, just one day after signing a franchise record-setting three-year contract worth up to $67 million with an opt-out after the second season.
The 30-year-old righty focused on the Athletics’ pool of young talent when discussing what convinced him to move to Sacramento and recalled what he thought of the team while playing with the New York Mets during the 2024 season.
“When we had these Zoom meetings, I told [Athletics general manager David Forst], ‘When they played us in New York, this team looked like the 2017-2018 A’s’; a team that got to the playoffs, a young team that was hungry to go into the field and play winning baseball,” Severino said. “I’m excited to be part of this team and part of an organization. I think we’re going to head in a good direction from now on.”
The 2024 Athletics took two of three against Severino’s Mets at Citi Field in mid-August. The wins came amid the Athletics’ 31-22 second-half stretch which saw right-fielder Lawrence Butler — except in that series — designated hitter Brent Rooker and catcher Shea Langeliers flip baseball upside down.
Severino liked what he saw from the 69-93 Athletics and, while speaking with reservedness, expects to be somewhat of a leader, whether with his voice or skillset, in a clubhouse where the average age was 26.8 in 2024.
“If they need me, I’m going to be that leader,” Severino said. “I mean, I’m not going to be bossing guys around. I’m just going to let my talent talk. I’m going to go out there, I’m going to compete, help out. If they need me, I’m going to be out there for anything they need.”
Severino’s new pitching staff could use his mentorship.
The Athletics currently have young arms such as Joey Estes, Luis Medina, Joe Boyle, J.T. Ginn slated to compete for rotational opportunities, with 2024 AL All-Star closer Mason Miller in the bullpen, and all are “hungry” without any postseason experience.
Severino has posted a 4.62 ERA with 57 strikeouts over 14 playoff games with the big-market New York Yankees and Mets. Those aren’t the best numbers but he did allow just three hits — while surrendering four walks and a pair of earned runs — against the future champion Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of the 2024 NLCS.
Being one of few elders in the room naturally bears…